Ready, Set, Go: Second Annual Flight Line Dash

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – At 6 a.m., with the cold San Diego breeze making them shiver, volunteers with the Officers' Wives' Club hosted the second annual Flight Line Dash aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 12.

Approximately 500 members of the San Diego community ran to support and raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, the MCAS Miramar Exceptional Family Member Program, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and the MCAS Miramar Children's Library.

"I can't think of a better [charitable cause]," said Brian Wrona, a human resources recruiter and a San Diego native.

Participants of all ages were able to join in the fun with a 10K, 5K and 1K run.

Leighanne Horne, wife of Capt. Adam Horne with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and a Lexington, N.C., native, crosses the finish line during the 5K run at the second annual Flight Line Dash aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 12. More than 500 people came out to either run or volunteer at the event.

"I think it's awesome they have the 1K for the kids and the other runs for the parents," said Emily Cabana, wife of Maj. Jeff Cabana with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 and a Cincinnati native.

For many of the Flight Line Dash racers, giving back to the military community meant more than coming in first place.

"It's a win-win situation, whether or not you win the race," said Cabana.

With different races to participate in, runners of any performance level could show their support.

"It's okay to come out; you don’t have to run 1,000 miles an hour," said Col. John P. Farnam, the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar. "You just do want you do to make yourself better and enjoy [the fun]."

The race epitomized the commitment Marines have to their community and fellow Marines.

Working together and showing pride for our community is what it means to be a Marine, explained Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.